Illuminations in 2017

[Accident]

The flying dragon hasn't been used since. How do you know they are going to use it for avatar?

I'm trying to find the article to post the url to it.. It had some in the hanger pictures of them but i'm really not sure if it the photos was before or after the dragon but the article was sometime in 2015 after the dragon.. hopefully I can find them and take this with a whole container of salt as it wasn't recent.

 

[Robo]

Does epcot actually need approval? @Robo do you have a map that shows the no fly zone? I always thought it was centered around MK as you can see helicopter tours buzzing around the other parks. Then again commercial use of the drones you do have more to do around flying them.

Here are frames from the iPhone "AIRMAP" app.
Images are kind of difficult to discern, but it looks like the areas directly over all of MK and Epcot (and near DHS) are included "no-fly zone.
I've included a frame from DAK, which appears not in the "no-fly zone.


Whole WDW "No-Fly" area. (It is area indicated by the RED-SHADED circle.)
Red Dot is centered on MK.
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Red Dot is centered on Epcot.
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Here's a CU showing MK, fully in the red "No-Fly Zone."
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Here's a CU showing Epcot, fully in southeast edge of the red "No-Fly Zone."
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Here's a CU showing DAK, just outside the southwest edge of the red "No-Fly Zone."

 

[cigar95]

I forget the article but it was spotted since then (several of them actually). at least the flight system was spotted, not sure if they were fully setup yet. . . . . .

Do you recall *where* it was spotted? I'd be really surprised if it was flying directly over areas occupied by guests, as it was during that one legendary flight over Fantasyland. (Don't mean "legendary" as in "not real", just that it's a thing that we all know about, very few of us saw, and it's unlikely to be seen again in the same way.)

 

[d-train]

Seating would be nice - Where did you hear about major changes to the dessert party?
Not really a surprise, each time we have done it, it was different anyway...

If they are continuing the party in 2017, even with changes, it would be nice if they had a schedule
up and ADR's to make.

Come to think of it, the last two times we did the party, the ADRs opened up around 90 days...

 

[FastPasser]

.

 

[d-train]

First time, in 2013, we waited in a check in line that snaked back and forth 5-6 times in front of one of the gateway store for about an hour. This was after they checked us in... When they finally dropped the rope and let us in to the area, there were only enough tables for about half the groups. The other half just stood around in clumps. They also ran out of food half way into it.

In 2015, we checked in and gave us a time to return. When we returned, about 45 minutes later, we were 3rd to get in, and there was no line to wait in past us. People meandered in very casually. Every group was able to have a table. Food was good, never ran out. Drinks were plentiful. It was in the same space as the last one in 2013, but with half the people.

In June this year, we checked in, they gave us a time to return. We were exhausted and just grabbed a bench across the walk way with a few others who also checked in. It was on the Mexico side of the gateway store this time. Nice shade, the LO played with his new toy purchase. After about 15 minutes, they came over and said we could go in...30 minutes early! This time, there was only about 70 people at the party, instead of close to 250 in 2013, and 125 in 2015. I asked about the number, they said they were trying on limiting ticket sales to make it more exclusive. There were even about a dozen empty tables! They had a large space open for kids to play. And a table set up with crafts for,the kids and a CM in charge of it! That was great! Even though it was a small party, they kept food stocked, which was all great. And more than enough drink too, which were as strong as you wanted them to be. Best party yet! And the same price as the other two, no increases! (Like wishes...lol!)

 

[bobbiwoz]

Is there any word on this party? Thinking about doing it in July!!

 

[Robo]

The new lagoon show that will replace Illuminations is definitely coming - the design is done and just waiting for the OK to start construction. But that is very unlikely to happen in '17, with so much other capacity down across the property.
I would be surprised to see it happen before at least one of the new developments at the Studios is open, since it will mean parts of the lagoon are drained and screened off for several months.

How would they be able to drain "parts" of the WS lagoon?
Looks like it would be all-or-nothing to me.
(And, THAT is a LOT of water!)

Maybe the use of isolated cofferdams (click) would be how to work without draining any of the lagoon.

 

[d-train]

Any updates out there for this dessert party in April?
aDRs are only available through March still.
I'd be surprised WDW would not want to capitalize on extra spring break money...

 

[WDWFantasmicFan]

Any updates out there for this dessert party in April?
aDRs are only available through March still.
I'd be surprised WDW would not want to capitalize on extra spring break money...

A replacement is rumored to open between 2017 and 2019, but who knows what or when?!

Looks like a replacement could be sooner than we all think, as ADR's not available from April onwards. It may be worth phoning Disney bookings and getting them to advise.

 

[sunset7132]

Illuminations or Illuminations dessert party???
There is absolutely no reason to even think Illuminations will not be here in 2017.
The Illumination dessert party is a different story. They have been late in releasing availability. It wasn't available for the longest time for our trip next week, now it is.
No one knows about that for sure, until Disney does something?

they havent released it for dec yet on my computer i have been trying to get it

 

[Robo]

they havent released it for dec yet on my computer i have been trying to get it

You are answering a post made on this board in Oct. of 2016.